We are looking for THREE Postdoctoral Research Fellows to contribute capacity on three intellectual projects newly initiated by the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) at Stellenbosch University. The Policy Hub will help us better understand how and when to create bridges and the necessary scaffolding needed for collaboration opportunities between the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation ecosystem. This research project is funded by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and aims to build within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem the basis of innovation ecosystem, and vice-versa. The envisioned research outcomes can help frontload the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem with innovation capabilities and enablement to deliver on AI-based, deep tech and other forms of R&D innovations. This first-of-its-kind research initiative will be the core basis of a three-year pilot plan to institutionalize a dedicated national Policy Hub in the medium term. We are looking for one Postdoc to focus on three cross-cutting research initiatives and sister activities we see as a roadmap for seeding the successful setting up of a National Innovation Ecosystem Policy Hub in South Africa: i) Ecosystem Intelligence, ii) Funding and Financing of Innovations, and iii) Ecosystem Building for creating policy bridges and scaffolding work to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovation ecosystem. Connecten, initiated in 2023, seeks to measure and build a regional and national understanding of “ten” conditions that are generally associated with healthy entrepreneurial ecosystems in response to the lack of regional and national data on the same. Lack of data makes it difficult to identify conditions that require support and testing of potential solutions to drive social change. In pursuit of addressing this issue, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa is diligently conducting high-level research on all ten conditions in South Africa, with a vision to cascade this research to the provincial and local level through government collaboration. We host a series of Provincial Dialogues with the aim to introduce Connecten to the dynamic players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem within provinces. We do this to foster productive partnerships with municipalities and to collectively develop a comprehensive understanding of all ten conditions within and across the nine provinces of South Africa. This collaborative endeavour involves close cooperation with various stakeholders, including all district municipalities and district (regional) economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and other influential business fora. The ultimate objective is to leverage Connecten’s insights to inform and shape entrepreneurship-led local economic development. By working hand-in-hand with stakeholders, Connecten envisions empowering municipalities to facilitate impactful solutions and foster local environments conducive to entrepreneurial success and social change. We are looking for one Postdoc to contribute to the translation of our research efforts into envisioned journal papers along the title lines of “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Regional Economic Development in South Africa” and “Custodians of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in South Africa”. AEEI Requirements Recommendations We have partnered with Innovation for Policy (I4Policy) and Utrecht University in an ambitious effort to understand entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions at a continental level. The goal is for this research endeavour to continue the Africa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index (AEEI) we recently launched (see https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5254687) and used as first basis for understanding national conditions of 29 countries, with subsequent dialogues to foster productive entrepreneurship. We are looking for one Postdoc to complement our efforts with additional data collection capacity and research assistance on specific conditions (e.g., entrepreneurial culture) to improve future iterations and overall research programme. Our overall aim is to contribute new knowledge and policy innovations to ongoing debates on how to better foster entrepreneurship-led sustainable development in Africa.  A relevant Ph.D (must have graduated within the last five years).  Good organisational skills, attention to detail and professionalism.  Strong planning skills, including the ability to work under pressure, set priorities, and function effectively under strict deadlines and shifting priorities.  The ability to function effectively and efficiently within a multicultural team environment.  Willingness and availability to work extra hours during busy weeks.  A valid driver’s licence and the willingness to travel domestically and abroad for meetings and programme activities where necessary.  Fluency in oral and written English.  Proficiency in MS Office and Excel.  Being a South African or living in South Africa will be an advantage because Connecten is a South African initiative at the moment.  Past exposure or experience in youth development and/or working in different African markets will be an advantage.  Past exposure or experience in entrepreneurship development will be an advantage.